My Latest Snag: Stock-Up on Children’s Cold-Weather Staples.
The weather is suddenly full-on autumn (borderline winter?) and I scrambled to stock up on cold-weather staples for the children this week. My favorite purchases for them:
THESE LL BEAN HATS (I BOUGHT MINI THE “SILVER MOON” AND MICRO THE “FELDSPAR” COLORWAY)
UGGS FOR MINI (CHESTNUT COLOR)
COZY HIKING SOCKS (LOVE THE COLORS — WILL LOOK SO CUTE ROLLED UP OVER THE TOP OF LEGGINGS!)
SHAWL COLLAR SWEATSHIRT AND THERMAL TEES FOR MICRO
WINTRY FACE MASKS AND THERMAL TEES FOR MINI
THESE LINED HI TOP SNEAKERS FOR MICRO*
*I have been looking high and low for a good pair of everyday, warm boots for micro — there were so few attractive styles out there! These are selling out everywhere so jump if you can still find them in your boy’s size.
Though I usually stick with white socks for the children (prevents inevitable problem of one sock missing from a pair), I had to buy micro these fun printed train/vehicle socks. Good colors and fun prints. The only items left on my current winter shopping staples list are a puffer coat for micro, snowsuit for micro, snow mittens/gloves for both, and some Sperry snowboots. For puffer coat, I’ll probably go with Patagonia’s Hi-Loft in the yellow color — mini has owned in the past and they are warm but not super thick/heavy (can stuff into a bag if needed), and I love that they come with the built-in hood. And for snow gear, will probably circle back to Polarn O. Pyret!
You’re Sooooo Popular: The Crochet Trim Sweater-Jacket.
The most popular items on le blog this week:
+Chic cookbook stand. (Under $15 — we own and love this. The price is incomprehensible for the quality.)
+Elegant gift enclosures. (‘Tis the season!)
+My current favorite black skinny jeans.
+Caran d’ache pens (le best, and so chic!)
+Crazy chic and affordable everyday python flat.
+These wide leg crops are SO chic! I own in ivory frost and now, I think, about half of you do, too. #magpietwinning
+On-trend chunky cardigan for $35.
Weekend Musings: The Best Time to Plant a Tree.
A reader shared this quote on a post I wrote not too long ago:
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Thank you for that, Brooke — it has been on my mind since. Sharing it again here, prominently, in case one of my Magpies needs a “giddy up!” this morning.
I’ve found it personally resonant while clipping back into a running routine over the past few months. I now run every other day for 2.5-3.5 miles, without fail. (My goal is to get to 3-4 miles per run, but I’m easing into it.) I am, frankly, astonished at my ongoing capacity for commitment to this somewhat aggressive routine given that just a few months ago, I would have told you: “I have no time! It will cut into xyz! Maybe next year! I have other higher priorities right now! I’ll get back to it at some point!” I have fallen in and out of running for most of my adult life, and I think one reason I’ve been able to stick with it this go around is that my understanding of goal-setting and goal attainment has matured in the past few years thanks to my experiences as a mother and an entrepreneur. Jen of 30 years would set out to do something and throw her hands up in frustration if results did not materialize close to immediately. Jen of 36 understood that it would take weeks to get to a place where I could consistently run without fatigue and muscle pain, and months to get to a place where running 3-4 miles per session was realistic. I knew that it was going to be rough starting from scratch this time, and my expectations were on-target. But that quote about “the second best time being today” rang true to me: start now, Jen, and understand that it might take a long while for the roots to form and the trees to blossom.
(Other things that have helped me remain committed: building it into the architecture of my day, new infusions of running gear (my latest snag: this running jacket), and my serious intentions to take better care of myself after a kind of intense year of illnesses.)
Does this ring true for you? Any other galvanizing words of encouragement that have helped you step into action?
Post-Scripts: The Sequin Duster.
+ICYMI earlier this week, this sequin duster sweater is EVERYTHING for the holiday season, and it selling out quickly.
+This toddler sherpa jacket in plaid!!!
+Love these baskets for underneath a console or toy corraling in a living space.
+Most elegant blouse for a bride…or for me, in winter, looking for a reason to dress up.
+The Vampire’s Wife is enjoying major cult brand status at the moment, and The Webster marked a few of its near-iconic dresses down 50% off: here and here!
+Sherpa bomber!!! Wow. Sherpa is just IT this year.
+2020 is the year of athleisure. I can’t stop buying sweatshirt — haaaalp! I am currently obsessing over this one.
+Another day, another great Target sweater (in ivory especially).
+Houndstooth gloves!!! J’adore a good houndstooth moment.
+More good non-denim pants for those of us seeking more style diversity in our closets.
+This lounge set with these sneakers under this topcoat = major model off-duty vibes.
+Currently testing this inexpensive retinoid (on the suggestion of TONS of Magpies and at the encouragement of my dermatologist) and can’t wait to give a full review in a few weeks…